Warnings issued by RSPCA, PDSA and BVA this Easter.

Owners are being urged to "pet-proof" their homes this Easter as research reveals nearly half a million owners feed their pets human chocolate without realising it can prove to be fatally toxic.

Chocolate is toxic because it contains theobromine – a naturally occurring chemical found in cocoa beans. The level of toxicity is dependent on the type of chocolate, with dark chocolate and cocoa powder being the most harmful.

The RSPCA has revealed that complaints surrounding animal poisonings have risen by nearly 10 per cent; 1,154 complaints were made last year compared to 1,055 in 2012. James Yeates, the charity’s chief veterinary officer, stressed that many accidental poisonings could be avoided if people are more aware of the dangers around their home.

He said: “Chocolate poisoning is one of the most commonly reported types of animal poisoning, so Easter is the ideal time to remind people of the hazards around their home that could accidentally poison their pets.”

The PAW report released by PDSA, which surveyed thousands of owners across the UK about their pet’s health and wellbeing, revealed that owners in the North East are the biggest culprits. More than a fifth (22 per cent) owned up to feeding their dogs the toxic treat, while owners in the South West are best behaved – only 1 per cent admit to this.

PDSA Senior Vet, Elaine Pendlebury, comments: “Many owners love giving their pet a treat but are unaware of the dangers of chocolate and other harmful foods. The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within four hours of eating, and can last as long as 24 hours.

The first signs of poisoning can include excessive thirst, vomiting, a sore stomach and restlessness. These symptoms can then progress to tremors, an abnormal heart rhythm, raised body temperature and rapid breathing.  In severe cases dogs can experience fits, kidney failure and can even die.

BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: “Every year vets treat thousands of cases of chocolate poisoning in pets and sadly the poisoning is sometimes fatal. The majority of the cases we see are accidental chocolate consumption. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can easily hunt down hidden Easter eggs.”